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Cold Stress Prevention Fact Sheet
HS04-004C (11-19)
Thousands of Texanrsquos jobs require long hours outside in the cold
Employees in construction snow removal oil and gas utility repair policing and postal services are among those exposed to extreme cold The risks of cold are not only for outdoor workers People working in cold stores refrigerated warehouses and the frozen food sections of supermarkets can all suffer from cold stress
What is cold stress
According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health cold stress is a condition that occurs when the body can no longer maintain its normal temperature The results can include serious injuries resulting in permanent tissue damage ior death IThe body works hard to maintain its temperature in the cold As the surrounding cold air draws heat away the body works to keep the internal core -- the chest and abdomen -- warm This shifts blood flow away from the skin hands arms feet and legs These areas quickly cool and the risk for hypothermia frostbite and trench foot (if exposed to moisture) can begin
What are the symptoms of cold stress
Cold stress can lead to serious conditions such as hypothermia frostbite and trench foot
Hypothermia
Hypothermia results when the body temperature drops too low Symptoms may nclude fatigue confusion disorientation
excessive shivering and loss of coordination n the later stages the skin turns blue pupils
dilate the pulse and breathing slows and unconsciousness and coma may follow
Frostbite
If exposed to cold environments for long periods ice begins to form inside and around skin cells The ice blocks the movement of blood through capillaries depriving body tissue of oxygen and nutrients Early warning signs of frostbite are numbness the feeling of pins and needles blue and blotchy skin and aches in the affected area Later blisters or black scabs may form If untreated in the most severe cases amputation of the damaged tissue is the only solution
Trench Foot
Trench foot also called immersion foot syndrome is a serious and painful condition of the feet caused by standing in cold water or mud for long periods Unlike frostbite trench foot can occur at temperatures as high as 60degF because wet feet lose heat twenty-five-times faster than dry feet To prevent heat loss the body constricts the blood vessels to shut down circulation in the feet As this happens skin tissue begins to die due to lack of oxygen and nutrients Blisters blotchy skin redness prickliness and numbness may occur Skin tissue that dies will fall off or may need removal
How can employees respond to cold-related symptoms The following chart provides valuable information in responding to and treating cold stress conditions
Condition Hypothermia-a medical emergency caused by the drop in normal body temperature to 95degF or less
Causes and Symptoms Causes
bull the body loses heat faster than it can be replaced
bull happens most often at very cold temperatures
bull can occur at cool temperatures above 40degF if a person is chilled from rain sweat or cold water
bull continued exposure uses up a personrsquos stored energy and
bull a body temperature that is too low affects the brain and keeps the victim from moving well or thinking clearly
Mild symptoms
bull alertness with uncontrollable shivering which is a sign the body is trying to warm itself and
bull shivering stops as symptoms worsen and the bodyrsquos temperature falls
Moderate and severe symptoms
Response
bull call 9-1-1 immediately
bull move the worker to a warm dry place
bull remove any wet clothing and replace with dry clothing and
bull wrap the body including the head and neck (but not the face) in layers of blankets and with a vapor barrier like a tarp or garbage bag
If medical help is more than 30 minutes away
bull give warm sweetened drinks if alert -- no alcohol or caffeine -- to help raise the body temperature
bull never give a drink to an unconscious person
bull place warm bottles or hot packs in armpits sides of chest and groin and
bull call 9-1-1 for more rewarming instructions
Condition Hypothermia-(continued)
Causes and Symptoms Causes
Moderate and severe symptoms
bull loss of coordination
bull inability to stand up
bull dilated pupils
bull confusion
bull slurred speech
bull slow heart rate or breathing
bull loss of consciousness and
bull death
Response If the person is not breathing or has no pulse
bull call 9-1-1 immediately
bull check for signs of breathing or a pulse every 60 seconds
bull if after 60 seconds the affected worker is not breathing and does not have a pulse workers trained in CPR may start rescue breaths for three minutes
bull recheck for breathing and pulse every 60 seconds
bull if the worker is still not breathing and has no pulse continue rescue breathing
bull start chest compressions only upon the advice of the 9-1-1 operator or emergency medical services and
bull continue to check the patient
OSHA does not recommend chest compressions unless the patient will not receive medical care within three hours
Frostbite-freezing in the deep layers of the skin and body tissue
Causes
bull exposure to cold-weather conditions
bull direct contact with ice frozen metal or very cold liquids and
bull increased risk in people with lower blood circulation and in those not dressed properly for the extreme cold
Follow the response for hypothermia
bull move the person to a warm dry area
bull do not leave the person alone
bull loosely cover the frostbitten area with a dry cloth to protect it from contact until medical help arrives
Condition Frostbite-(continued)
Causes and Symptoms
Symptoms
bull numbness
bull red white bluish-white or grayish-yellow skin
bull hard or waxy-looking skin
bull clumsiness due to joint and muscle stiffness and
bull blistering after rewarming in severe cases
Stages of frostbite
bull Frostnip Frostnip is a mild form of frostbite Continued exposure leads to numbness in the affected area As skin warms people may feel pain and tingling Frostnip does not permanently damage skin
bull Superficial frostbite Superficial frostbite appears as reddened skin that turns white or pale Skin may begin to feel warm ndash a sign of serious skin freezing If frostbite is rewarmed at this stage the surface of skin may appear blotchy Stinging burning and swelling will begin A fluid-filled blister may appear in 12 to 36 hours after rewarming the skin
bull Deep (severe) frostbite As frostbite progresses it affects all layers of the skin including the tissues that lie below Skin turns white or bluish gray People may experience numbness and the loss of all sensation of cold pain or discomfort in the affected area
Response
bull remove any tight or wet clothing that might cut off blood flow to the affected area
bull do not rub the affected area which can further damage skin and tissue
bull do not apply snow or water
bull do not break blisters
bull do not try to re-warm the frostbitten area
bull wait for medical professionals
bull do not use heating pads or place the area in warm water and
bull give warm sweetened drinks (no alcohol) if the person is alert
Condition Causes and Symptoms Response Frostbite- Joints or muscles may no longer (continued) work Large blisters form 24
to 48 hours after rewarming Afterward the area turns black and hard as the tissue dies
Trench foot- Causes bull call 9-1-1 right away in an also known as emergency
bull ongoing exposure to wet immersion foot is a conditions and cold bull in a non-emergency seek nonfreezing injury temperatures medical attention as soon as to feet
possible bull can happen at temperatures as high as 60deg F if the feet are bull remove shoes or boots and constantly wet wet socks and
bull the body squeezes the blood bull dry the feet vessels to shut down blood flow in the feet to prevent heat loss and
bull skin tissue starts to die from the lack of oxygen and nutrients and the buildup of toxic products
Symptoms
bull skin redness
bull swelling
bull numbness and
bull blisters
How can employers and employees prevent cold-related injuries Prevention is the key to success
Employers should train workers
Before working in the cold train employees about bull the environmental and workplace conditions that lead to
cold stress bull the causes of cold-related injuries and how to limit risks bull the need to watch for symptoms and respond bull how to report give first aid and reach emergency
medical services bull how factors outside of work -- such as age poor physical
health or opioids -- can make it harder for the body to fight or recover from work-related cold stress
bull how to choose the proper clothing for cold wet or windy conditions
bull how to care for and use heat-protective clothing and personal protective equipment and
bull the importance of slowly getting used to cold conditions
Before scheduling employees to work in the cold train supervisors to
bull gradually introduce workers to the cold bull create healthy work schedules that include frequent
breaks in warm dry areas bull save outdoor tasks for the warmest part of the day bull use relief workers for demanding jobs or use other
means to make physical work easier bull monitor workersrsquo physical health especially those
at risk of cold stress like returning workers older workers those with health conditions like heart disease hypertension hypothyroidism or diabetes and those taking certain medications
bull respond when a worker shows signs of a cold-related illness and follow emergency response procedures
bull give workers warm liquids to drink but avoid caffeine (coffee tea or hot chocolate)
bull check the National Weather Service daily for wind chill watches warnings and advisories in your area and respond accordingly
bull have employees work in pairs (the buddy system) to lower fatigue and make it easy for workers to monitor each otherrsquos well-being and
bull recommend that workers eat warm balanced meals and get plenty of rest to keep their energy up
Ensure Proper Clothing Layered clothing insulates body heat Tight clothing restricts blood from reaching the extremities Advise workers to wear at least three layers of loose clothing including
bull an inner layer made of wool silk or a synthetic fabric to keep moisture away from the body
bull a middle layer made of wool or a synthetic to insulate when wet and
bull a larger outer layer with some ventilation to protect from wind and rain
Dressing properly is extremely important to prevent cold stress The following are recommendations for working in cold environments
bull Choose wool silk or synthetic fibers which stay warm when wet
bull Avoid cotton clothing which gets and stays wet easily
bull Wear clean clothing Dirt fills the air cells in clothing hindering insulation
bull Wear clothing for cold wet windy conditions This includes a hat to covers ears a knit cap or liner
underneath a hard hat to retain heat
a knit mask to cover the face and mouth (if needed)
mittens not gloves unless the work requires fine manual coordination
socks and underwear in polypropylene or polyester to keep water away from skin and
waterproof insulated boots with rubber soles removeable felt insoles and leather tops
How does the wind chill temperature affect working conditions
Both air temperature and wind speed affect how cold outdoor workers feel The wind chill temperature refers to the rate the human body loses heat due to low air temperature and wind speed For example when the air temperature is 40degF and the wind speed is 35 mph the wind chill temperature is 28degF This measurement is the actual effect of the environmental cold on the exposed skin
It is important for employers to know the wind chill temperature to gauge workerrsquos exposure risks Wind chill information is available through The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio and Wind Chill Calculators available on the internet These tools can help employers and employees plan to safely work in the cold
The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists developed the following Work Warm-up Schedule for 4-hour shifts to help employers decrease cold stress on employees Based on both air temperature and wind speed it provides employers recommendations on when to schedule work breaks and stop non-emergency work
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) does not have a specific standard that covers working in cold environments but the OSHA Act of 1970 states that employers have a duty to protect workers from hazards that are recognized This includes cold stress hazards that cause or are likely to cause serious physical harm or death in the workplace Always remain watchful of the physical conditions of your workers and provide the training needed to ensure a safe and healthy workplace
Safety Violations Hotline 1-800-452-9595
safetyhotlinetditexasgov
The Texas Department of Insurance Division of Workersrsquo Compensation (DWC) E-mail resourcecentertditexasgov
or call 1-800-687-7080 for more information
Disclaimer Unless otherwise noted this document was produced by the Texas Department of Insurance Division of Workersrsquo Compensation (DWC)-Workplace Safety using information from staff subject specialists government entities or other authoritative sources Information contained in this fact sheet is considered accurate at the time of publication For more free DWC publications on this and other safety topics and for free occupational safety and health audiovisual loans visit wwwtxsafetyatworkcom call 800-252-7031 option 2 or email resourcecenter tditexasgov
Texas Department of Insurance Division of Workersrsquo Compensation wwwtxsafetyatworkcom
HS04-004C(11-2019)
Trench Foot
Trench foot also called immersion foot syndrome is a serious and painful condition of the feet caused by standing in cold water or mud for long periods Unlike frostbite trench foot can occur at temperatures as high as 60degF because wet feet lose heat twenty-five-times faster than dry feet To prevent heat loss the body constricts the blood vessels to shut down circulation in the feet As this happens skin tissue begins to die due to lack of oxygen and nutrients Blisters blotchy skin redness prickliness and numbness may occur Skin tissue that dies will fall off or may need removal
How can employees respond to cold-related symptoms The following chart provides valuable information in responding to and treating cold stress conditions
Condition Hypothermia-a medical emergency caused by the drop in normal body temperature to 95degF or less
Causes and Symptoms Causes
bull the body loses heat faster than it can be replaced
bull happens most often at very cold temperatures
bull can occur at cool temperatures above 40degF if a person is chilled from rain sweat or cold water
bull continued exposure uses up a personrsquos stored energy and
bull a body temperature that is too low affects the brain and keeps the victim from moving well or thinking clearly
Mild symptoms
bull alertness with uncontrollable shivering which is a sign the body is trying to warm itself and
bull shivering stops as symptoms worsen and the bodyrsquos temperature falls
Moderate and severe symptoms
Response
bull call 9-1-1 immediately
bull move the worker to a warm dry place
bull remove any wet clothing and replace with dry clothing and
bull wrap the body including the head and neck (but not the face) in layers of blankets and with a vapor barrier like a tarp or garbage bag
If medical help is more than 30 minutes away
bull give warm sweetened drinks if alert -- no alcohol or caffeine -- to help raise the body temperature
bull never give a drink to an unconscious person
bull place warm bottles or hot packs in armpits sides of chest and groin and
bull call 9-1-1 for more rewarming instructions
Condition Hypothermia-(continued)
Causes and Symptoms Causes
Moderate and severe symptoms
bull loss of coordination
bull inability to stand up
bull dilated pupils
bull confusion
bull slurred speech
bull slow heart rate or breathing
bull loss of consciousness and
bull death
Response If the person is not breathing or has no pulse
bull call 9-1-1 immediately
bull check for signs of breathing or a pulse every 60 seconds
bull if after 60 seconds the affected worker is not breathing and does not have a pulse workers trained in CPR may start rescue breaths for three minutes
bull recheck for breathing and pulse every 60 seconds
bull if the worker is still not breathing and has no pulse continue rescue breathing
bull start chest compressions only upon the advice of the 9-1-1 operator or emergency medical services and
bull continue to check the patient
OSHA does not recommend chest compressions unless the patient will not receive medical care within three hours
Frostbite-freezing in the deep layers of the skin and body tissue
Causes
bull exposure to cold-weather conditions
bull direct contact with ice frozen metal or very cold liquids and
bull increased risk in people with lower blood circulation and in those not dressed properly for the extreme cold
Follow the response for hypothermia
bull move the person to a warm dry area
bull do not leave the person alone
bull loosely cover the frostbitten area with a dry cloth to protect it from contact until medical help arrives
Condition Frostbite-(continued)
Causes and Symptoms
Symptoms
bull numbness
bull red white bluish-white or grayish-yellow skin
bull hard or waxy-looking skin
bull clumsiness due to joint and muscle stiffness and
bull blistering after rewarming in severe cases
Stages of frostbite
bull Frostnip Frostnip is a mild form of frostbite Continued exposure leads to numbness in the affected area As skin warms people may feel pain and tingling Frostnip does not permanently damage skin
bull Superficial frostbite Superficial frostbite appears as reddened skin that turns white or pale Skin may begin to feel warm ndash a sign of serious skin freezing If frostbite is rewarmed at this stage the surface of skin may appear blotchy Stinging burning and swelling will begin A fluid-filled blister may appear in 12 to 36 hours after rewarming the skin
bull Deep (severe) frostbite As frostbite progresses it affects all layers of the skin including the tissues that lie below Skin turns white or bluish gray People may experience numbness and the loss of all sensation of cold pain or discomfort in the affected area
Response
bull remove any tight or wet clothing that might cut off blood flow to the affected area
bull do not rub the affected area which can further damage skin and tissue
bull do not apply snow or water
bull do not break blisters
bull do not try to re-warm the frostbitten area
bull wait for medical professionals
bull do not use heating pads or place the area in warm water and
bull give warm sweetened drinks (no alcohol) if the person is alert
Condition Causes and Symptoms Response Frostbite- Joints or muscles may no longer (continued) work Large blisters form 24
to 48 hours after rewarming Afterward the area turns black and hard as the tissue dies
Trench foot- Causes bull call 9-1-1 right away in an also known as emergency
bull ongoing exposure to wet immersion foot is a conditions and cold bull in a non-emergency seek nonfreezing injury temperatures medical attention as soon as to feet
possible bull can happen at temperatures as high as 60deg F if the feet are bull remove shoes or boots and constantly wet wet socks and
bull the body squeezes the blood bull dry the feet vessels to shut down blood flow in the feet to prevent heat loss and
bull skin tissue starts to die from the lack of oxygen and nutrients and the buildup of toxic products
Symptoms
bull skin redness
bull swelling
bull numbness and
bull blisters
How can employers and employees prevent cold-related injuries Prevention is the key to success
Employers should train workers
Before working in the cold train employees about bull the environmental and workplace conditions that lead to
cold stress bull the causes of cold-related injuries and how to limit risks bull the need to watch for symptoms and respond bull how to report give first aid and reach emergency
medical services bull how factors outside of work -- such as age poor physical
health or opioids -- can make it harder for the body to fight or recover from work-related cold stress
bull how to choose the proper clothing for cold wet or windy conditions
bull how to care for and use heat-protective clothing and personal protective equipment and
bull the importance of slowly getting used to cold conditions
Before scheduling employees to work in the cold train supervisors to
bull gradually introduce workers to the cold bull create healthy work schedules that include frequent
breaks in warm dry areas bull save outdoor tasks for the warmest part of the day bull use relief workers for demanding jobs or use other
means to make physical work easier bull monitor workersrsquo physical health especially those
at risk of cold stress like returning workers older workers those with health conditions like heart disease hypertension hypothyroidism or diabetes and those taking certain medications
bull respond when a worker shows signs of a cold-related illness and follow emergency response procedures
bull give workers warm liquids to drink but avoid caffeine (coffee tea or hot chocolate)
bull check the National Weather Service daily for wind chill watches warnings and advisories in your area and respond accordingly
bull have employees work in pairs (the buddy system) to lower fatigue and make it easy for workers to monitor each otherrsquos well-being and
bull recommend that workers eat warm balanced meals and get plenty of rest to keep their energy up
Ensure Proper Clothing Layered clothing insulates body heat Tight clothing restricts blood from reaching the extremities Advise workers to wear at least three layers of loose clothing including
bull an inner layer made of wool silk or a synthetic fabric to keep moisture away from the body
bull a middle layer made of wool or a synthetic to insulate when wet and
bull a larger outer layer with some ventilation to protect from wind and rain
Dressing properly is extremely important to prevent cold stress The following are recommendations for working in cold environments
bull Choose wool silk or synthetic fibers which stay warm when wet
bull Avoid cotton clothing which gets and stays wet easily
bull Wear clean clothing Dirt fills the air cells in clothing hindering insulation
bull Wear clothing for cold wet windy conditions This includes a hat to covers ears a knit cap or liner
underneath a hard hat to retain heat
a knit mask to cover the face and mouth (if needed)
mittens not gloves unless the work requires fine manual coordination
socks and underwear in polypropylene or polyester to keep water away from skin and
waterproof insulated boots with rubber soles removeable felt insoles and leather tops
How does the wind chill temperature affect working conditions
Both air temperature and wind speed affect how cold outdoor workers feel The wind chill temperature refers to the rate the human body loses heat due to low air temperature and wind speed For example when the air temperature is 40degF and the wind speed is 35 mph the wind chill temperature is 28degF This measurement is the actual effect of the environmental cold on the exposed skin
It is important for employers to know the wind chill temperature to gauge workerrsquos exposure risks Wind chill information is available through The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio and Wind Chill Calculators available on the internet These tools can help employers and employees plan to safely work in the cold
The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists developed the following Work Warm-up Schedule for 4-hour shifts to help employers decrease cold stress on employees Based on both air temperature and wind speed it provides employers recommendations on when to schedule work breaks and stop non-emergency work
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) does not have a specific standard that covers working in cold environments but the OSHA Act of 1970 states that employers have a duty to protect workers from hazards that are recognized This includes cold stress hazards that cause or are likely to cause serious physical harm or death in the workplace Always remain watchful of the physical conditions of your workers and provide the training needed to ensure a safe and healthy workplace
Safety Violations Hotline 1-800-452-9595
safetyhotlinetditexasgov
The Texas Department of Insurance Division of Workersrsquo Compensation (DWC) E-mail resourcecentertditexasgov
or call 1-800-687-7080 for more information
Disclaimer Unless otherwise noted this document was produced by the Texas Department of Insurance Division of Workersrsquo Compensation (DWC)-Workplace Safety using information from staff subject specialists government entities or other authoritative sources Information contained in this fact sheet is considered accurate at the time of publication For more free DWC publications on this and other safety topics and for free occupational safety and health audiovisual loans visit wwwtxsafetyatworkcom call 800-252-7031 option 2 or email resourcecenter tditexasgov
Texas Department of Insurance Division of Workersrsquo Compensation wwwtxsafetyatworkcom
HS04-004C(11-2019)
Condition Hypothermia-(continued)
Causes and Symptoms Causes
Moderate and severe symptoms
bull loss of coordination
bull inability to stand up
bull dilated pupils
bull confusion
bull slurred speech
bull slow heart rate or breathing
bull loss of consciousness and
bull death
Response If the person is not breathing or has no pulse
bull call 9-1-1 immediately
bull check for signs of breathing or a pulse every 60 seconds
bull if after 60 seconds the affected worker is not breathing and does not have a pulse workers trained in CPR may start rescue breaths for three minutes
bull recheck for breathing and pulse every 60 seconds
bull if the worker is still not breathing and has no pulse continue rescue breathing
bull start chest compressions only upon the advice of the 9-1-1 operator or emergency medical services and
bull continue to check the patient
OSHA does not recommend chest compressions unless the patient will not receive medical care within three hours
Frostbite-freezing in the deep layers of the skin and body tissue
Causes
bull exposure to cold-weather conditions
bull direct contact with ice frozen metal or very cold liquids and
bull increased risk in people with lower blood circulation and in those not dressed properly for the extreme cold
Follow the response for hypothermia
bull move the person to a warm dry area
bull do not leave the person alone
bull loosely cover the frostbitten area with a dry cloth to protect it from contact until medical help arrives
Condition Frostbite-(continued)
Causes and Symptoms
Symptoms
bull numbness
bull red white bluish-white or grayish-yellow skin
bull hard or waxy-looking skin
bull clumsiness due to joint and muscle stiffness and
bull blistering after rewarming in severe cases
Stages of frostbite
bull Frostnip Frostnip is a mild form of frostbite Continued exposure leads to numbness in the affected area As skin warms people may feel pain and tingling Frostnip does not permanently damage skin
bull Superficial frostbite Superficial frostbite appears as reddened skin that turns white or pale Skin may begin to feel warm ndash a sign of serious skin freezing If frostbite is rewarmed at this stage the surface of skin may appear blotchy Stinging burning and swelling will begin A fluid-filled blister may appear in 12 to 36 hours after rewarming the skin
bull Deep (severe) frostbite As frostbite progresses it affects all layers of the skin including the tissues that lie below Skin turns white or bluish gray People may experience numbness and the loss of all sensation of cold pain or discomfort in the affected area
Response
bull remove any tight or wet clothing that might cut off blood flow to the affected area
bull do not rub the affected area which can further damage skin and tissue
bull do not apply snow or water
bull do not break blisters
bull do not try to re-warm the frostbitten area
bull wait for medical professionals
bull do not use heating pads or place the area in warm water and
bull give warm sweetened drinks (no alcohol) if the person is alert
Condition Causes and Symptoms Response Frostbite- Joints or muscles may no longer (continued) work Large blisters form 24
to 48 hours after rewarming Afterward the area turns black and hard as the tissue dies
Trench foot- Causes bull call 9-1-1 right away in an also known as emergency
bull ongoing exposure to wet immersion foot is a conditions and cold bull in a non-emergency seek nonfreezing injury temperatures medical attention as soon as to feet
possible bull can happen at temperatures as high as 60deg F if the feet are bull remove shoes or boots and constantly wet wet socks and
bull the body squeezes the blood bull dry the feet vessels to shut down blood flow in the feet to prevent heat loss and
bull skin tissue starts to die from the lack of oxygen and nutrients and the buildup of toxic products
Symptoms
bull skin redness
bull swelling
bull numbness and
bull blisters
How can employers and employees prevent cold-related injuries Prevention is the key to success
Employers should train workers
Before working in the cold train employees about bull the environmental and workplace conditions that lead to
cold stress bull the causes of cold-related injuries and how to limit risks bull the need to watch for symptoms and respond bull how to report give first aid and reach emergency
medical services bull how factors outside of work -- such as age poor physical
health or opioids -- can make it harder for the body to fight or recover from work-related cold stress
bull how to choose the proper clothing for cold wet or windy conditions
bull how to care for and use heat-protective clothing and personal protective equipment and
bull the importance of slowly getting used to cold conditions
Before scheduling employees to work in the cold train supervisors to
bull gradually introduce workers to the cold bull create healthy work schedules that include frequent
breaks in warm dry areas bull save outdoor tasks for the warmest part of the day bull use relief workers for demanding jobs or use other
means to make physical work easier bull monitor workersrsquo physical health especially those
at risk of cold stress like returning workers older workers those with health conditions like heart disease hypertension hypothyroidism or diabetes and those taking certain medications
bull respond when a worker shows signs of a cold-related illness and follow emergency response procedures
bull give workers warm liquids to drink but avoid caffeine (coffee tea or hot chocolate)
bull check the National Weather Service daily for wind chill watches warnings and advisories in your area and respond accordingly
bull have employees work in pairs (the buddy system) to lower fatigue and make it easy for workers to monitor each otherrsquos well-being and
bull recommend that workers eat warm balanced meals and get plenty of rest to keep their energy up
Ensure Proper Clothing Layered clothing insulates body heat Tight clothing restricts blood from reaching the extremities Advise workers to wear at least three layers of loose clothing including
bull an inner layer made of wool silk or a synthetic fabric to keep moisture away from the body
bull a middle layer made of wool or a synthetic to insulate when wet and
bull a larger outer layer with some ventilation to protect from wind and rain
Dressing properly is extremely important to prevent cold stress The following are recommendations for working in cold environments
bull Choose wool silk or synthetic fibers which stay warm when wet
bull Avoid cotton clothing which gets and stays wet easily
bull Wear clean clothing Dirt fills the air cells in clothing hindering insulation
bull Wear clothing for cold wet windy conditions This includes a hat to covers ears a knit cap or liner
underneath a hard hat to retain heat
a knit mask to cover the face and mouth (if needed)
mittens not gloves unless the work requires fine manual coordination
socks and underwear in polypropylene or polyester to keep water away from skin and
waterproof insulated boots with rubber soles removeable felt insoles and leather tops
How does the wind chill temperature affect working conditions
Both air temperature and wind speed affect how cold outdoor workers feel The wind chill temperature refers to the rate the human body loses heat due to low air temperature and wind speed For example when the air temperature is 40degF and the wind speed is 35 mph the wind chill temperature is 28degF This measurement is the actual effect of the environmental cold on the exposed skin
It is important for employers to know the wind chill temperature to gauge workerrsquos exposure risks Wind chill information is available through The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio and Wind Chill Calculators available on the internet These tools can help employers and employees plan to safely work in the cold
The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists developed the following Work Warm-up Schedule for 4-hour shifts to help employers decrease cold stress on employees Based on both air temperature and wind speed it provides employers recommendations on when to schedule work breaks and stop non-emergency work
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) does not have a specific standard that covers working in cold environments but the OSHA Act of 1970 states that employers have a duty to protect workers from hazards that are recognized This includes cold stress hazards that cause or are likely to cause serious physical harm or death in the workplace Always remain watchful of the physical conditions of your workers and provide the training needed to ensure a safe and healthy workplace
Safety Violations Hotline 1-800-452-9595
safetyhotlinetditexasgov
The Texas Department of Insurance Division of Workersrsquo Compensation (DWC) E-mail resourcecentertditexasgov
or call 1-800-687-7080 for more information
Disclaimer Unless otherwise noted this document was produced by the Texas Department of Insurance Division of Workersrsquo Compensation (DWC)-Workplace Safety using information from staff subject specialists government entities or other authoritative sources Information contained in this fact sheet is considered accurate at the time of publication For more free DWC publications on this and other safety topics and for free occupational safety and health audiovisual loans visit wwwtxsafetyatworkcom call 800-252-7031 option 2 or email resourcecenter tditexasgov
Texas Department of Insurance Division of Workersrsquo Compensation wwwtxsafetyatworkcom
HS04-004C(11-2019)
Condition Frostbite-(continued)
Causes and Symptoms
Symptoms
bull numbness
bull red white bluish-white or grayish-yellow skin
bull hard or waxy-looking skin
bull clumsiness due to joint and muscle stiffness and
bull blistering after rewarming in severe cases
Stages of frostbite
bull Frostnip Frostnip is a mild form of frostbite Continued exposure leads to numbness in the affected area As skin warms people may feel pain and tingling Frostnip does not permanently damage skin
bull Superficial frostbite Superficial frostbite appears as reddened skin that turns white or pale Skin may begin to feel warm ndash a sign of serious skin freezing If frostbite is rewarmed at this stage the surface of skin may appear blotchy Stinging burning and swelling will begin A fluid-filled blister may appear in 12 to 36 hours after rewarming the skin
bull Deep (severe) frostbite As frostbite progresses it affects all layers of the skin including the tissues that lie below Skin turns white or bluish gray People may experience numbness and the loss of all sensation of cold pain or discomfort in the affected area
Response
bull remove any tight or wet clothing that might cut off blood flow to the affected area
bull do not rub the affected area which can further damage skin and tissue
bull do not apply snow or water
bull do not break blisters
bull do not try to re-warm the frostbitten area
bull wait for medical professionals
bull do not use heating pads or place the area in warm water and
bull give warm sweetened drinks (no alcohol) if the person is alert
Condition Causes and Symptoms Response Frostbite- Joints or muscles may no longer (continued) work Large blisters form 24
to 48 hours after rewarming Afterward the area turns black and hard as the tissue dies
Trench foot- Causes bull call 9-1-1 right away in an also known as emergency
bull ongoing exposure to wet immersion foot is a conditions and cold bull in a non-emergency seek nonfreezing injury temperatures medical attention as soon as to feet
possible bull can happen at temperatures as high as 60deg F if the feet are bull remove shoes or boots and constantly wet wet socks and
bull the body squeezes the blood bull dry the feet vessels to shut down blood flow in the feet to prevent heat loss and
bull skin tissue starts to die from the lack of oxygen and nutrients and the buildup of toxic products
Symptoms
bull skin redness
bull swelling
bull numbness and
bull blisters
How can employers and employees prevent cold-related injuries Prevention is the key to success
Employers should train workers
Before working in the cold train employees about bull the environmental and workplace conditions that lead to
cold stress bull the causes of cold-related injuries and how to limit risks bull the need to watch for symptoms and respond bull how to report give first aid and reach emergency
medical services bull how factors outside of work -- such as age poor physical
health or opioids -- can make it harder for the body to fight or recover from work-related cold stress
bull how to choose the proper clothing for cold wet or windy conditions
bull how to care for and use heat-protective clothing and personal protective equipment and
bull the importance of slowly getting used to cold conditions
Before scheduling employees to work in the cold train supervisors to
bull gradually introduce workers to the cold bull create healthy work schedules that include frequent
breaks in warm dry areas bull save outdoor tasks for the warmest part of the day bull use relief workers for demanding jobs or use other
means to make physical work easier bull monitor workersrsquo physical health especially those
at risk of cold stress like returning workers older workers those with health conditions like heart disease hypertension hypothyroidism or diabetes and those taking certain medications
bull respond when a worker shows signs of a cold-related illness and follow emergency response procedures
bull give workers warm liquids to drink but avoid caffeine (coffee tea or hot chocolate)
bull check the National Weather Service daily for wind chill watches warnings and advisories in your area and respond accordingly
bull have employees work in pairs (the buddy system) to lower fatigue and make it easy for workers to monitor each otherrsquos well-being and
bull recommend that workers eat warm balanced meals and get plenty of rest to keep their energy up
Ensure Proper Clothing Layered clothing insulates body heat Tight clothing restricts blood from reaching the extremities Advise workers to wear at least three layers of loose clothing including
bull an inner layer made of wool silk or a synthetic fabric to keep moisture away from the body
bull a middle layer made of wool or a synthetic to insulate when wet and
bull a larger outer layer with some ventilation to protect from wind and rain
Dressing properly is extremely important to prevent cold stress The following are recommendations for working in cold environments
bull Choose wool silk or synthetic fibers which stay warm when wet
bull Avoid cotton clothing which gets and stays wet easily
bull Wear clean clothing Dirt fills the air cells in clothing hindering insulation
bull Wear clothing for cold wet windy conditions This includes a hat to covers ears a knit cap or liner
underneath a hard hat to retain heat
a knit mask to cover the face and mouth (if needed)
mittens not gloves unless the work requires fine manual coordination
socks and underwear in polypropylene or polyester to keep water away from skin and
waterproof insulated boots with rubber soles removeable felt insoles and leather tops
How does the wind chill temperature affect working conditions
Both air temperature and wind speed affect how cold outdoor workers feel The wind chill temperature refers to the rate the human body loses heat due to low air temperature and wind speed For example when the air temperature is 40degF and the wind speed is 35 mph the wind chill temperature is 28degF This measurement is the actual effect of the environmental cold on the exposed skin
It is important for employers to know the wind chill temperature to gauge workerrsquos exposure risks Wind chill information is available through The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio and Wind Chill Calculators available on the internet These tools can help employers and employees plan to safely work in the cold
The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists developed the following Work Warm-up Schedule for 4-hour shifts to help employers decrease cold stress on employees Based on both air temperature and wind speed it provides employers recommendations on when to schedule work breaks and stop non-emergency work
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) does not have a specific standard that covers working in cold environments but the OSHA Act of 1970 states that employers have a duty to protect workers from hazards that are recognized This includes cold stress hazards that cause or are likely to cause serious physical harm or death in the workplace Always remain watchful of the physical conditions of your workers and provide the training needed to ensure a safe and healthy workplace
Safety Violations Hotline 1-800-452-9595
safetyhotlinetditexasgov
The Texas Department of Insurance Division of Workersrsquo Compensation (DWC) E-mail resourcecentertditexasgov
or call 1-800-687-7080 for more information
Disclaimer Unless otherwise noted this document was produced by the Texas Department of Insurance Division of Workersrsquo Compensation (DWC)-Workplace Safety using information from staff subject specialists government entities or other authoritative sources Information contained in this fact sheet is considered accurate at the time of publication For more free DWC publications on this and other safety topics and for free occupational safety and health audiovisual loans visit wwwtxsafetyatworkcom call 800-252-7031 option 2 or email resourcecenter tditexasgov
Texas Department of Insurance Division of Workersrsquo Compensation wwwtxsafetyatworkcom
HS04-004C(11-2019)
Condition Causes and Symptoms Response Frostbite- Joints or muscles may no longer (continued) work Large blisters form 24
to 48 hours after rewarming Afterward the area turns black and hard as the tissue dies
Trench foot- Causes bull call 9-1-1 right away in an also known as emergency
bull ongoing exposure to wet immersion foot is a conditions and cold bull in a non-emergency seek nonfreezing injury temperatures medical attention as soon as to feet
possible bull can happen at temperatures as high as 60deg F if the feet are bull remove shoes or boots and constantly wet wet socks and
bull the body squeezes the blood bull dry the feet vessels to shut down blood flow in the feet to prevent heat loss and
bull skin tissue starts to die from the lack of oxygen and nutrients and the buildup of toxic products
Symptoms
bull skin redness
bull swelling
bull numbness and
bull blisters
How can employers and employees prevent cold-related injuries Prevention is the key to success
Employers should train workers
Before working in the cold train employees about bull the environmental and workplace conditions that lead to
cold stress bull the causes of cold-related injuries and how to limit risks bull the need to watch for symptoms and respond bull how to report give first aid and reach emergency
medical services bull how factors outside of work -- such as age poor physical
health or opioids -- can make it harder for the body to fight or recover from work-related cold stress
bull how to choose the proper clothing for cold wet or windy conditions
bull how to care for and use heat-protective clothing and personal protective equipment and
bull the importance of slowly getting used to cold conditions
Before scheduling employees to work in the cold train supervisors to
bull gradually introduce workers to the cold bull create healthy work schedules that include frequent
breaks in warm dry areas bull save outdoor tasks for the warmest part of the day bull use relief workers for demanding jobs or use other
means to make physical work easier bull monitor workersrsquo physical health especially those
at risk of cold stress like returning workers older workers those with health conditions like heart disease hypertension hypothyroidism or diabetes and those taking certain medications
bull respond when a worker shows signs of a cold-related illness and follow emergency response procedures
bull give workers warm liquids to drink but avoid caffeine (coffee tea or hot chocolate)
bull check the National Weather Service daily for wind chill watches warnings and advisories in your area and respond accordingly
bull have employees work in pairs (the buddy system) to lower fatigue and make it easy for workers to monitor each otherrsquos well-being and
bull recommend that workers eat warm balanced meals and get plenty of rest to keep their energy up
Ensure Proper Clothing Layered clothing insulates body heat Tight clothing restricts blood from reaching the extremities Advise workers to wear at least three layers of loose clothing including
bull an inner layer made of wool silk or a synthetic fabric to keep moisture away from the body
bull a middle layer made of wool or a synthetic to insulate when wet and
bull a larger outer layer with some ventilation to protect from wind and rain
Dressing properly is extremely important to prevent cold stress The following are recommendations for working in cold environments
bull Choose wool silk or synthetic fibers which stay warm when wet
bull Avoid cotton clothing which gets and stays wet easily
bull Wear clean clothing Dirt fills the air cells in clothing hindering insulation
bull Wear clothing for cold wet windy conditions This includes a hat to covers ears a knit cap or liner
underneath a hard hat to retain heat
a knit mask to cover the face and mouth (if needed)
mittens not gloves unless the work requires fine manual coordination
socks and underwear in polypropylene or polyester to keep water away from skin and
waterproof insulated boots with rubber soles removeable felt insoles and leather tops
How does the wind chill temperature affect working conditions
Both air temperature and wind speed affect how cold outdoor workers feel The wind chill temperature refers to the rate the human body loses heat due to low air temperature and wind speed For example when the air temperature is 40degF and the wind speed is 35 mph the wind chill temperature is 28degF This measurement is the actual effect of the environmental cold on the exposed skin
It is important for employers to know the wind chill temperature to gauge workerrsquos exposure risks Wind chill information is available through The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio and Wind Chill Calculators available on the internet These tools can help employers and employees plan to safely work in the cold
The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists developed the following Work Warm-up Schedule for 4-hour shifts to help employers decrease cold stress on employees Based on both air temperature and wind speed it provides employers recommendations on when to schedule work breaks and stop non-emergency work
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) does not have a specific standard that covers working in cold environments but the OSHA Act of 1970 states that employers have a duty to protect workers from hazards that are recognized This includes cold stress hazards that cause or are likely to cause serious physical harm or death in the workplace Always remain watchful of the physical conditions of your workers and provide the training needed to ensure a safe and healthy workplace
Safety Violations Hotline 1-800-452-9595
safetyhotlinetditexasgov
The Texas Department of Insurance Division of Workersrsquo Compensation (DWC) E-mail resourcecentertditexasgov
or call 1-800-687-7080 for more information
Disclaimer Unless otherwise noted this document was produced by the Texas Department of Insurance Division of Workersrsquo Compensation (DWC)-Workplace Safety using information from staff subject specialists government entities or other authoritative sources Information contained in this fact sheet is considered accurate at the time of publication For more free DWC publications on this and other safety topics and for free occupational safety and health audiovisual loans visit wwwtxsafetyatworkcom call 800-252-7031 option 2 or email resourcecenter tditexasgov
Texas Department of Insurance Division of Workersrsquo Compensation wwwtxsafetyatworkcom
HS04-004C(11-2019)
How can employers and employees prevent cold-related injuries Prevention is the key to success
Employers should train workers
Before working in the cold train employees about bull the environmental and workplace conditions that lead to
cold stress bull the causes of cold-related injuries and how to limit risks bull the need to watch for symptoms and respond bull how to report give first aid and reach emergency
medical services bull how factors outside of work -- such as age poor physical
health or opioids -- can make it harder for the body to fight or recover from work-related cold stress
bull how to choose the proper clothing for cold wet or windy conditions
bull how to care for and use heat-protective clothing and personal protective equipment and
bull the importance of slowly getting used to cold conditions
Before scheduling employees to work in the cold train supervisors to
bull gradually introduce workers to the cold bull create healthy work schedules that include frequent
breaks in warm dry areas bull save outdoor tasks for the warmest part of the day bull use relief workers for demanding jobs or use other
means to make physical work easier bull monitor workersrsquo physical health especially those
at risk of cold stress like returning workers older workers those with health conditions like heart disease hypertension hypothyroidism or diabetes and those taking certain medications
bull respond when a worker shows signs of a cold-related illness and follow emergency response procedures
bull give workers warm liquids to drink but avoid caffeine (coffee tea or hot chocolate)
bull check the National Weather Service daily for wind chill watches warnings and advisories in your area and respond accordingly
bull have employees work in pairs (the buddy system) to lower fatigue and make it easy for workers to monitor each otherrsquos well-being and
bull recommend that workers eat warm balanced meals and get plenty of rest to keep their energy up
Ensure Proper Clothing Layered clothing insulates body heat Tight clothing restricts blood from reaching the extremities Advise workers to wear at least three layers of loose clothing including
bull an inner layer made of wool silk or a synthetic fabric to keep moisture away from the body
bull a middle layer made of wool or a synthetic to insulate when wet and
bull a larger outer layer with some ventilation to protect from wind and rain
Dressing properly is extremely important to prevent cold stress The following are recommendations for working in cold environments
bull Choose wool silk or synthetic fibers which stay warm when wet
bull Avoid cotton clothing which gets and stays wet easily
bull Wear clean clothing Dirt fills the air cells in clothing hindering insulation
bull Wear clothing for cold wet windy conditions This includes a hat to covers ears a knit cap or liner
underneath a hard hat to retain heat
a knit mask to cover the face and mouth (if needed)
mittens not gloves unless the work requires fine manual coordination
socks and underwear in polypropylene or polyester to keep water away from skin and
waterproof insulated boots with rubber soles removeable felt insoles and leather tops
How does the wind chill temperature affect working conditions
Both air temperature and wind speed affect how cold outdoor workers feel The wind chill temperature refers to the rate the human body loses heat due to low air temperature and wind speed For example when the air temperature is 40degF and the wind speed is 35 mph the wind chill temperature is 28degF This measurement is the actual effect of the environmental cold on the exposed skin
It is important for employers to know the wind chill temperature to gauge workerrsquos exposure risks Wind chill information is available through The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio and Wind Chill Calculators available on the internet These tools can help employers and employees plan to safely work in the cold
The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists developed the following Work Warm-up Schedule for 4-hour shifts to help employers decrease cold stress on employees Based on both air temperature and wind speed it provides employers recommendations on when to schedule work breaks and stop non-emergency work
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) does not have a specific standard that covers working in cold environments but the OSHA Act of 1970 states that employers have a duty to protect workers from hazards that are recognized This includes cold stress hazards that cause or are likely to cause serious physical harm or death in the workplace Always remain watchful of the physical conditions of your workers and provide the training needed to ensure a safe and healthy workplace
Safety Violations Hotline 1-800-452-9595
safetyhotlinetditexasgov
The Texas Department of Insurance Division of Workersrsquo Compensation (DWC) E-mail resourcecentertditexasgov
or call 1-800-687-7080 for more information
Disclaimer Unless otherwise noted this document was produced by the Texas Department of Insurance Division of Workersrsquo Compensation (DWC)-Workplace Safety using information from staff subject specialists government entities or other authoritative sources Information contained in this fact sheet is considered accurate at the time of publication For more free DWC publications on this and other safety topics and for free occupational safety and health audiovisual loans visit wwwtxsafetyatworkcom call 800-252-7031 option 2 or email resourcecenter tditexasgov
Texas Department of Insurance Division of Workersrsquo Compensation wwwtxsafetyatworkcom
HS04-004C(11-2019)
How does the wind chill temperature affect working conditions
Both air temperature and wind speed affect how cold outdoor workers feel The wind chill temperature refers to the rate the human body loses heat due to low air temperature and wind speed For example when the air temperature is 40degF and the wind speed is 35 mph the wind chill temperature is 28degF This measurement is the actual effect of the environmental cold on the exposed skin
It is important for employers to know the wind chill temperature to gauge workerrsquos exposure risks Wind chill information is available through The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio and Wind Chill Calculators available on the internet These tools can help employers and employees plan to safely work in the cold
The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists developed the following Work Warm-up Schedule for 4-hour shifts to help employers decrease cold stress on employees Based on both air temperature and wind speed it provides employers recommendations on when to schedule work breaks and stop non-emergency work
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) does not have a specific standard that covers working in cold environments but the OSHA Act of 1970 states that employers have a duty to protect workers from hazards that are recognized This includes cold stress hazards that cause or are likely to cause serious physical harm or death in the workplace Always remain watchful of the physical conditions of your workers and provide the training needed to ensure a safe and healthy workplace
Safety Violations Hotline 1-800-452-9595
safetyhotlinetditexasgov
The Texas Department of Insurance Division of Workersrsquo Compensation (DWC) E-mail resourcecentertditexasgov
or call 1-800-687-7080 for more information
Disclaimer Unless otherwise noted this document was produced by the Texas Department of Insurance Division of Workersrsquo Compensation (DWC)-Workplace Safety using information from staff subject specialists government entities or other authoritative sources Information contained in this fact sheet is considered accurate at the time of publication For more free DWC publications on this and other safety topics and for free occupational safety and health audiovisual loans visit wwwtxsafetyatworkcom call 800-252-7031 option 2 or email resourcecenter tditexasgov
Texas Department of Insurance Division of Workersrsquo Compensation wwwtxsafetyatworkcom
HS04-004C(11-2019)
Safety Violations Hotline 1-800-452-9595
safetyhotlinetditexasgov
The Texas Department of Insurance Division of Workersrsquo Compensation (DWC) E-mail resourcecentertditexasgov
or call 1-800-687-7080 for more information
Disclaimer Unless otherwise noted this document was produced by the Texas Department of Insurance Division of Workersrsquo Compensation (DWC)-Workplace Safety using information from staff subject specialists government entities or other authoritative sources Information contained in this fact sheet is considered accurate at the time of publication For more free DWC publications on this and other safety topics and for free occupational safety and health audiovisual loans visit wwwtxsafetyatworkcom call 800-252-7031 option 2 or email resourcecenter tditexasgov
Texas Department of Insurance Division of Workersrsquo Compensation wwwtxsafetyatworkcom
HS04-004C(11-2019)